Component rack for a display

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure describes a component rack for, e.g., electronic devices. The component rack includes an upper rail; a lower rail, the upper rail and the lower rail extending relative to a first axis; at least one end cap coupled to an end of the upper rail and the lower rail; wherein the at least one end cap comprises a first panel slidably couplable to a second panel and movable along a second axis between a collapsed position and an extended position, the second axis extending transversely to the first axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/023,530, filed on May 12, 2020, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a component rack for a display, andmore particularly, a component rack adapted to carry modular electronicdevices.

BACKGROUND

Audio electronics, camera electronics, gaming system electronics,auxiliary media streaming electronics, and the like may be used toenhance a user experience with a television and other display. As theseand other electronics may improve a user's entertainment experience,these and other electronic devices each may have power and/orcommunication wiring which may become tangled and messy (a so-calledbird's nest of wiring) which is not aesthetically appealing. Further,electronic devices come in a variety of sizes, e.g., width, that may notmatch the width of the associated display, which may provide adisordered or unappealing appearance.

OVERVIEW

According to an aspect of the disclosure, a component rack is disclosedthat comprises: an upper rail; a lower rail, the upper rail and thelower rail extending relative to a first axis (e.g., x-axis); at leastone end cap coupled to an end of the upper rail and the lower rail;wherein the at least one end cap comprises a first panel slidablycouplable to a second panel and movable along a second axis (e.g.,y-axis) between a collapsed position and an extended position, thesecond axis extending transversely to the first axis. For example, thefirst panel may include upper and lower flanges each having an elongatedslot extending along the second axis, and the second panel may have ahole that receives a fastener (e.g., a pin or screw) that slidablyengages with the slots. The provision of an adjustable end capadjustable transversely to the upper and lower rails permits thecomponent rack to accommodate electronic devices (e.g., soundbar,webcam, etc.) of various depths, and thereby provide a universal housingor enclosure for electronic devices.

Pursuant to an implementation, the first panel and the second panel arepivotable about a third axis relative to one another, wherein the thirdaxis extends transversely to the first axis and the second axis. Theprovision of a pivotable end cap permits the component rack toaccommodate electronic devices of various widths, to facilitateproviding a universal enclosure for electronic devices. Further, the endcap can be articulated or pivoted to provide an appearance of a straightedge with respect to a front plate of the component rack, whereby thefirst panel is bent relative to the second panel and perpendicular tothe front plate.

Pursuant to a further implementation, the at least one end cap iscantilevered from a rear edge of the second panel. For example, a rearend of the second panel may be fixed to the upper and lower rails, and afront end of the first panel may hang in spaced relation from the railsand the front plate. The cantilevered configuration allows the at leastone end cap to be adjusted about at least two axes (e.g., the y-axis andthe z-axis) without restriction, to facilitate an orderly appearance(e.g., forming a straight edge with the front plate) and customizing thecomponent rack to the specifications of the electronic device(s) and/orthe associated display (e.g., by adjusting in depth and/or width).

According to an exemplary approach, the upper rail has a wire routingslot extending therethrough. The wire slot allows wires or cords, forexample, to be routed through the top of the component rack to thedisplay, to bundle or otherwise organize messy wires, to help provide anorderly or neat appearance.

Pursuant to another approach, additionally or alternatively, a cameramount is disposed between the upper and lower rails. The camera mountincludes a base mount and an adapter bracket slidably couplable to thebase mount and movable relative to the base mount along the second axis(e.g., y-axis). The camera mount is configured to receive a camera andthus form an integrated unit that encloses or contains multipleelectronic devices (e.g., a soundbar and a camera). A grille that iscoupled to the upper and lower rails may comprise a mesh fabric having awindow disposed in a region of the adapter bracket, which providesunobstructed access to the camera.

Pursuant to an exemplary approach, at least one yoke is slidablycouplable to the upper and lower rails and movable along the second axisbetween a collapsed position and an extended position. By way of the atleast one slidable yoke, the front plate can be displaced in a depthdirection (e.g., along the y-axis) to accommodate for electronic devicesof varying depths and/or to facilitate a flush alignment between thefront surface of the front plate and a front face of the display. The atleast one yoke includes a yoke plate extending relative to a third axis,the third axis extending transversely to the first axis and the secondaxis; and an upper flange and a lower flange extending along the secondaxis and respectively comprising an elongated slot.

According to another aspect, a component rack is disclosed thatcomprises: an upper rail; a lower rail, wherein the upper and lowerrails extend relative to a first axis (e.g., x-axis); and at least oneyoke slidably couplable to the upper and lower rails and movable along asecond axis (e.g., y-axis) between a collapsed position and an extendedposition, the second axis extending transversely to the first axis;wherein the at least one yoke comprises: a yoke plate extending relativeto a third axis (e.g., z-direction), the third axis extendingtransversely to the first axis and the second axis; an upper flangeextending, relative to the second axis, from the yoke plate toward theupper rail; and a lower flange extending, relative to the second axis,from the yoke plate toward the lower rail. The provision of a slidableyoke permits a front plate attached thereto to be displaced in a depthdirection (e.g., along the y-axis) to accommodate for electronic devicesof varying depths and/or to facilitate a flush alignment between thefront surface of the front plate and a front face of the display.

Pursuant to an implementation, the upper rail comprises first fastenerswhich retain the upper flanges of the at least one yoke to the upperrail, and the lower rail comprises second fasteners which retain thelower flanges of the at least one yoke to the lower rail.

A front plate is detachably couplable to the at least one yoke, whereinthe front plate is displaceable relative to the second axis (e.g.,y-axis) via movement of the at least one yoke relative to the upper andlower rails. For the detachable coupling of the front plate to the atleast one yoke, the at least one yoke may comprise at least one hole,and the front plate may comprise a rear surface, facing the at least oneyoke, wherein at least one pin extends from the rear surface and intothe at least one hole of the at least one yoke. Additionally oralternatively, the front plate may have magnetic elements disposed onthe rear surface that attract and magnetically couple to the yoke plateof the at least one yoke.

Pursuant to an implementation, each of the upper and lower railscomprise an elongated channel extending relative to the first axis(e.g., x-axis). The elongated channel may be disposed on a base of therails. According to one example, a display mounting bracket is coupledto the upper rail via the elongated channel. According to anotherexample, a wall mounting bracket is coupled to the upper and lower railsvia the respective elongated channel. Fasteners in the form of a screwand nut, for example, may be used to fix the mounting brackets withinthe elongated channel(s).

At least one inner support may be provided that extends relative to thethird axis and is coupled to the upper and lower rails. For example,each of the upper and lower rails comprise an elongated side extendingrelative to the third axis (e.g., z-axis) that has an elongated channelextending relative to the first axis (e.g., x-axis), wherein the atleast one inner support is coupled to the upper and lower rails via theelongated channel. Fasteners in the form of a screw and nut, forexample, may be used to fix the at least one inner support within theelongated (side) channels of the upper and lower rails.

Pursuant to an implementation, at least one end cap is coupled to an endof the upper and lower rails. The at least one end cap comprises a firstpanel slidably coupled to a second panel and movable along the secondaxis (e.g., y-axis) between a collapsed position and an extendedposition. Additionally or alternatively, the first panel and the secondpanel are pivotable about a pivot axis relative to one another, whereinthe pivot axis extends parallel to the third axis.

Pursuant to an implementation, a camera mount is disposed between theupper and lower rails. The camera mount includes a base mount and anadapter bracket slidably couplable to the base mount and movablerelative to the base mount along the second axis (e.g., y-axis).

According to another aspect, a component rack is disclosed thatcomprises: an upper rail; a lower rail, wherein the upper and lowerrails extend relative to a first axis (e.g., x-axis); a first yokeslidably couplable to the upper and lower rails and movable between acollapsed position and an extended position; a second yoke slidablycouplable to the upper and lower rails and movable between the collapsedposition and the extended position; and a front plate detachablycouplable to the first and second yokes, wherein each of the first andsecond yokes comprise: a yoke plate extending relative to a third axis(e.g., z-axis); an upper flange extending, relative to a second axis(e.g., y-axis), from the yoke plate toward the upper rail; and a lowerflange extending, relative to the second axis, from the yoke platetoward the lower rail.

According to a further aspect, a component rack is disclosed thatcomprises: an upper rail; a lower rail, wherein the upper and lowerrails extend relative to a first axis (e.g., x-axis); a first yokeslidably couplable to the upper and lower rails and movable along asecond axis (e.g., y-axis) between a collapsed position and an extendedposition; a second yoke slidably couplable to the upper and lower railsand movable along the second axis between the collapsed position and theextended position; a front plate detachably couplable to the first andsecond yokes; a first end cap; and/or a second end cap, wherein each ofthe first and second yokes comprise: a yoke plate extending relative toa third axis (z-axis); an upper flange extending, relative to the secondaxis, from the yoke plate toward the upper rail; and a lower flangeextending, relative to the second axis, from the yoke plate toward thelower rail, wherein the first end cap is coupled to first ends of theupper and lower rails, wherein the second end cap is coupled to secondends of the upper and lower rails.

Implementations of the disclosure may include combinations of theabove-described features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the claims are not limited to a specific illustration, anappreciation of the various aspects is best gained through a discussionof various examples thereof. Although the drawings representillustrations, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certainfeatures may be exaggerated to better illustrate and explain aninnovative aspect of an example. Further, the exemplary illustrationsdescribed herein are not intended to be exhaustive or otherwise limitingor restricted to the precise form and configuration shown in thedrawings and disclosed in the following detailed description. Exemplaryillustrations are described in detail by referring to the drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an entertainment system comprising adisplay and a component rack.

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the entertainment system, also illustrating amounting bracket according to an example.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the mountingbracket.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the entertainment system, wherein the displayis mounted to a wall and the component rack is coupled to the displayvia the mounting bracket.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the component rack illustrating a mountingbracket according to another example.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the component rack of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 7 is a side view of the entertainment system, wherein the displayis mounted to a wall and the component rack is mounted to the wall viathe mounting bracket separately from the display.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the component rack.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of an upper rail, along section lines IX-IXwhich are shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a corner support.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an inner support.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a yoke.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an end cap.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the component rack in an extendedposition.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the component rack in a collapsedposition.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the component rack with end caps in anarticulated position.

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the component rack including acamera mount.

FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of the component rack including thecamera mount, with the grille removed for clarity.

FIG. 19 is a front view of the component rack of FIG. 17 , illustratinga window in a grille of the component rack.

FIG. 20 is a rear view of the component rack of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 21 is a top view of the component rack, with the grille removed forclarity.

FIG. 22 is a bottom view of the component rack.

FIG. 23 is a left end view of the component rack.

FIG. 24 is a right end view of the component rack, illustrating an endcap in an extended position.

FIG. 25 is a right end view of the component rack, illustrating the endcap in a collapsed position.

FIG. 26 is a process of a custom installation of the component rack.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings, where like numerals and characters indicate like orcorresponding parts throughout the several views, exemplaryillustrations are shown in detail. The various features of the exemplaryapproaches illustrated and described with reference to any one of thefigures may be combined with features illustrated in one or more otherfigures, as it will be understood that alternative illustrations thatmay not be explicitly illustrated or described may be able to beproduced. The combinations of features illustrated providerepresentative approaches for typical applications. However, variouscombinations and modifications of the features consistent with theteachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particularapplications or implementations.

Referring to FIGS. 1-4 , an entertainment system 10 is shown thatcomprises a display 12 and a component rack 14 mounted to the display 12via a display mounting bracket 16. Within component rack 14, electronicsand wiring for the electronics may be retained and hidden from view of auser to increase an aesthetic presentation of the display 12 andcomponent rack 14 (e.g., to provide an orderly and minimalisticpresentation to the user). Electronics may include one or more audioloudspeakers, a set-top box (e.g., enabling cable or internetconnection), a modem and/or wireless router, a camera, and/or the like.Each of these devices may require power and/or communication wiringwhich can be packaged within the component rack 14. To further improvethe aesthetic presentation, component rack 14 may have dimensions thatcorrespond with the display 12. Displays (such as display 12) may varywidely in width w_(display). Further, a spacing S from a front face 18of display 12 to a wall W may vary widely depending on a configurationof the display 12, a configuration of a mount 20 coupling the display 12to wall W, and/or a configuration of the mounting bracket 16 couplingthe component rack 14 to the display 12. The disclosed component rack 14may be customizable in width w (to correspond to the width of thedisplay 12), in depth d (so that a front surface 22 of component rack 14is in a planar alignment (e.g., flush) with a front face 24 of display12), and/or in height h (e.g., to accommodate loudspeakers of differentsizes, to accommodate more or fewer electronics, and/or to accommodateother spatial constraints during installation).

Display 12 may comprise a monitor, a television (e.g., such as aflat-screen television), or the like. Other examples are possible.Display 12 may have a hole pattern on a rear face 26 that is inaccordance with a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA)mounting interface standard (e.g., also called a Flat Display MountingInterface (FDMI)). Display mounting bracket 16 may be coupled to display12 using fasteners F coupling the bracket 16 to holes of the holepattern. Herein, the term fasteners should be construed broadly. E.g.,fasteners F may be machine screws; however, fasteners F may comprise anycombination of any suitable screws, pins, nails, rivets, and/or thelike.

Display mounting bracket 16 may be any suitable bracket that couples thecomponent rack 14 to the display 12 and that is sufficiently strong tobear a weight of the component rack 14 and its contents. One end 28 ofbracket 16 may utilize a VESA mounting interface standard to couple todisplay 12; and another end 30 of bracket 16 may couple to mountingfeatures of component rack 14, as discussed below. Display mountingbracket 16 may have any number of elements which may articulate withrespect to one another. A non-limiting example of mounting bracket 16 isshown and described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/616,646 whichis incorporated herein in its entirety. Further, mounting bracket 16 isoptional; e.g., in some embodiments of entertainment system 10,component rack 14 may be wall-mounted instead and may still havedimensions (e.g., w, d, h) that match or otherwise correspond to display12.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a non-limiting example of a wall-mounted componentrack 14. According to the illustrated example, a wall mounting bracket16′ mounts the component rack 14 on the wall W at a distance from thedisplay 12. Wall mounting bracket 16′ includes a central portion 28′that engages with the wall W and two end portions 30′ that engage with atop and bottom of the component rack 14. The central portion 28′ hasslots and/or holes H1 for receiving fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts,etc.) for fixing the bracket 16′ on the wall W. The wall mountingbracket 16′ may be coupled to the component rack 14 using fasteners Fcoupling end portions 30′ to the component rack 14. The two end portions30′ have elongated slots or holes H1, which receive the fasteners F1,F2, to provide an adjustable depth d to facilitate a planar alignment(e.g., flush) of the front face 22 of the component rack 14 with thefront face 24 of the display 12. The end portions 30′ with elongatedholes H1 allow the central portion 28′ to be fixed to the wall, e.g.,via fasteners F1, F2 engaging through one or more holes, at varyingpositions relative to the rear face 26 of the component rack 14.

Turning to FIGS. 8-13 and 20-22 , component rack 14 may comprise a pairof rails (an upper rail 32 and a lower rail 34), a plurality of supports36, 38, 40, 42 (e.g., other quantities are possible), a plurality ofyokes 44, 46, 48, 50, a pair of end caps 56, 58, and a front plate 60.As discussed more below, component rack 14 may be presented as anassembly kit to customize its dimensions to correspond with display 12which may be mounted to wall W (or suspended from a ceiling, etc.).Supports 36-42, yokes 44-50, and end caps 56-58 may be selected from avariety of sizes to adjust component rack 14 to a desired height. Rails32-34 and end caps 56-58 may be positioned in a collapsed position, anextended position, or a position therebetween to adjust component rack14 to a desired depth (d). And rails 32-34 may be cut and/or selectedfrom a variety of sizes to adjust component rack to a desired width.Similarly, front plate 60 may be selected from a variety of sizes toprovide a custom-width grille of the component rack 14 that is adjustedto a desired width (w) and/or height (h).

As shown in FIGS. 8-9 , upper rail 32 may comprise an elongated base 62and an elongated side 64 coupled to the base 62 (generally having anL-shape). Base 62 and side 64 may extend between a first end 66 and asecond end 68 along a first axis (x-axis)—e.g., horizontal and laterallywith respect to display 12. Between a front edge 70 and a rear edge72—spaced from one another in a depth direction, relative to a secondaxis (y-axis)—base 62 may comprise an elongated channel 74 extendingalong the first axis (x-axis) between the first and second ends 66, 68and from an upper side 76 of base toward a lower side 78 thereof In atleast one example, channel 74 is nearer the rear edge 72 and may be usedto couple and retain end 30 of display mounting bracket 16 and end 30′of wall mounting bracket 16′. Channel 74 may comprise an enlargedportion 80 and a narrow portion 82 opening to the upper side 76 of thebase 62. One or more ribs 84 may extend (relative to the x-axis) fromlower side 78 of base 62 thereby enhancing the rail's strength andrigidity. Ribs 84 may be nearer front edge 70; however, this notrequired. Holes H1 of base 62 may be spaced from one another relative tothe x-axis and at least some may be nearer the front edge 70. Holes H1may be through-holes and/or threaded to receive fasteners F.

Elongated side 64 of upper rail 32 may extend from rear edge 72 to anopposite edge 86 with respect to a third axis (z-axis, and may havefront side 88 and a rear side 90. An elongated channel 92 may be locatedbetween edges 72, 86—extending from the rear side 90 toward the frontside 88 and between first and second ends 66, 68. Channel 92 may besimilar to channel 74 (e.g., having an enlarged portion 94 and a narrowportion 96) and may be used to couple the upper rail 32 to lower rail 34via supports 36-42.

Pursuant to an implementation, upper rail 32 comprises a wire slot 226(see FIGS. 14-16 and 21 ) extending therethrough (e.g., from upper side76 to lower side 78 of base 62) to route wires from inside the componentrack 14 to the display 14. For example, wiring or cords (e.g., USB,audio, etc.) for electronics housed in the component rack 14 may berouted through the wire slot 226 to be plugged into the display 14. Assuch, the wire slot 226 may function to contain or bound the wirestogether to facilitate an orderly presentation.

Upper rail 32 may comprise hole H1 on a lateral face 98 (facingoutwardly at first end 66) and another hole H1 one an opposite lateralface 100 (facing outwardly an opposite direction at second end 68,relative to the x-axis)). These holes H1 may be used during assembly, asdescribed below.

Upper rail 32 may be comprised of any suitable material. According to anembodiment, the upper rail 32 comprises anodized aluminum; however,other metals and other non-metal materials may be used. According to anembodiment, the upper rail 32 is configured so that it may be formed byan extrusion process.

According to an example, lower rail 34 may be similar or identical toupper rail 32 (see FIGS. 8 and 22 ); thus, it will not be described indetail (see like reference numerals). Lower rail 34 may be positioned asa mirror image of upper rail 32. For example, base 62 and a base 62′ (oflower rail 34) may extend forwardly, and side 64 of upper rail 32 mayextend downwardly, whereas a side 64′ of lower rail 34 may extendupwardly. Bases 62, 62′ may be parallel to one another, and sides 64,64′ may be positioned within a common plane; and channel 92 of side 64and a channel 92′ of side 64′ each may face rearwardly.

According to an example, supports 36-42 comprise corner supports 36-38and inner supports 40-42, wherein corner supports 36-38 may be identicaland wherein inner supports 40-42 may be identical. One of each will bedescribed herein for sake of brevity.

Corner support 36 (FIG. 10 ) may comprise an angle bracket—e.g.,comprising an outboard side 106 and a rear side 108 coupled to oneanother and each extending vertically with respect to the z-axis. Anupper portion 110 of each of outboard and rear sides 106, 108 maycomprise a hole H2 (e.g., a through-hole); similarly, a lower portion112 of each of outboard and rear sides 106, 108 may comprise a hole H2.Corner support 36 may be coupled to first ends 66, 66′ of upper andlower rails 32, 34 via fasteners F and holes H1, H2, and corner support38 similarly may be coupled to second ends 68, 68′ of upper and lowerrails 32, 34 via fasteners F and holes H1, H2. E.g., rear sides 108 ofcorner supports 36, 38 may overlap sides 64, 64′ (of upper and lowerrails 32, 34), wherein outboard sides 106 overlap lateral faces 98-100,98′-100′ (of upper and lower rails 32, 34, respectively).

Inner support 40 (FIG. 11 ) may comprise a plate 114 having an upperregion 116, a middle region 118 comprising one or more openings 120, anda lower region 122. Each of upper and lower regions may comprise a holeH3 (e.g., a through-hole). Each inner support 40 may be coupled to sides64, 64′ of each of upper and lower rails 32, 34 via fasteners F1 andfasteners F2 (an example of which is shown in FIG. 3 ). Moreparticularly, fasteners F2 may be a captive nut which may be slid alongchannel 92, 92′ (by inserting it via first or second end 66, 68),wherein each fastener F1 may be located in hole H3 and mated with athreaded hole in fastener F2.

According to a non-limiting example, each of inner supports 40, 42further comprise a hook-and-loop or other suitable strap 126 coupled toopening 120 (see FIG. 8 ). In this manner, strap 126 may be used toretain electronics from moving within component rack 14. Supports 36-42may comprise any suitable material (e.g., including anodized metal).According to another example shown in FIGS. 17 and 20 , the innersupports 40, 42 comprise a plurality of openings 120 in the middleregion 118, which may function to secure different electronics withinthe component rack 14. For example, a keyhole-shaped opening may be usedto secure one type of electronics (e.g., a soundbar), a slot-shapedopening to secure the strap for another type of electronics (e.g., aBluetooth receiver), and a round opening to secure a threaded fastenerfor a different type of electronics (e.g., a cable box and/or a cameramount (see FIG. 18 )). The inner supports 40, 42 are structured toaccommodate a variety of different mounting options for variouselectronic components, and can be used to mount electronic componentsare designated areas within the component rack 14.

FIGS. 8, 12, 14-16, and 21-22 illustrates yokes 44-50. The yokes 44-50are couplable to the upper and lower rails 32, 34 and movable along asecond axis (y-axis) between a collapsed position (see FIG. 15 ) and anextended position (see FIG. 15 ). According to one example, each of theyokes 44-50 are identical or similar; therefore, only one will bedescribed in detail (see also FIG. 12 ).

As shown in FIG. 12 , yoke 44 may comprise a (yoke) plate 130 coupled toan upper flange 132 and coupled to a lower flange 134. The yoke plate130 extends relative to a third axis (z-axis), and the upper and lowerflanges 132, 134 extending along a second axis (y-axis). The upperflange 132 extends along the second axis (y-axis) from the yoke plate130 toward the upper rail 32, and the lower flange extends along thesecond axis (y-axis) from the yoke plate 130 toward the lower rail 34.According to a non-limiting example, plate 130 may have a similar shapeas plate 114 (however, this is not required). E.g., plate 130 maycomprise an upper region 136 (comprising a hole H4), a middle region138, and a lower region 142 (also comprising a hole H4). Plate 130 mayhave a pattern of through-holes 144 to facilitate the transmission ofaudio; however, this is not required.

Upper and lower flanges 132, 134 may be similar or identical; therefore,only one will be described in detail. Upper flange 132 may comprise aproximal end 146 coupled to an upper end 148 of plate 130, and upperflange 132 may extend to a distal end 150 (relative to the y-axis).Between proximal and distal ends 146, 150, upper flange 132 maybifurcate into two tongues 152, 154. A spacing between tongues 152, 154may define a slot 156 which extends to an opening 158 of the slot 156 atdistal end 150. Slot 156 facilitates displacement of front plate 60 withrespect to upper and lower rails 32, 34—thereby enabling component rack14 to move between the collapsed position (see FIG. 15 ) and theextended position (see FIG. 14 ). A fastener F1 positioned within slot156 (and hole H1 of upper rail 32) may retain yoke 44 in a desired depthposition. Lower flange 134 similarly may be coupled to a lower end 160of plate 130 (and a fastener F1 may retain it to lower rail 34 in asimilar fashion). The upper rail 32 comprises first fasteners F1 whichretain the upper flanges 132 of the yokes 44-50 to the upper rail 32,and the lower rail 34 comprises second fasteners F1 which retain thelower flanges 134 of the yokes 44-50 to the lower rail 34.

According to at least one example, yoke 44 may be symmetrical about amidpoint 162. In this manner, yoke 44 may be inverted during assembly ofcomponent rack 14. As will be described more below, holes H4 may be usedto retain front plate 60.

Yokes 44-50 may comprise any suitable material (e.g., including anodizedmetal). In at least one embodiment, yokes 44-50 comprise a ferromagneticmaterial.

End caps 56, 58 may be similar or identical; therefore, only one will bedescribed in detail. FIG. 13 illustrates end cap 56 (e.g., which may bea mirror image of end cap 58).

End cap 56 may comprise a first panel 170 and a second panel 172 whichis adapted to slide relative to first panel 170 and move along thesecond axis (y-axis) between a collapsed position (see FIGS. 15 and 25 )and an extended position (see FIGS. 13-14 and 23-24 ). Additionally, thefirst panel 170 and the second panel 172 are configured to pivot about apivot axis P relative to one another (see FIG. 16 ), the pivot axis Pextending in (e.g., parallel to) the third axis (z-axis). First panel170 may comprise a planar base 174 (oriented vertically), an upperflange 176 comprising an elongated slot 178, and a lower flange 180comprising an elongated slot 182. Base 174, flanges 176, 180, and slots178, 182 may extend axially to the second axis (e.g., in the y-axisdirection). Slots may extend between a front edge 184 and a rear edge186 of first panel 170. Base 174 may comprise a pattern of through-holes188 (e.g., extending from an outer surface 190 to an inner surface 192of base 174); these through-holes 188 may be similar to through-holes144; however, this is not required. Through-holes 188 may facilitateair-flow within component rack 14 to mitigate an overheating conditionof electronics therein. According to the illustrated example, a centerregion 194 may be reserved for a logo (not shown in FIG. 13 ).

Second panel 172 similarly may comprise a planar base 196, an upperflange 198, and a lower flange 200. Upper and lower flanges 198, 200each may comprise a pair of holes H1, wherein, respectively, one hole H1is nearer a front edge 202 of the second panel 172 (and comprises afastener F1 which is also through respective slot 178), and the otherhole H1 is nearer a rear edge 204 to couple the second panel 172 torespective upper and lower rails 32, 34 (via fasteners F1). Base 196also may comprise pattern of through-holes 206.

According to a non-limiting example, a height of second panel 172 may beless than a height of first panel 170. In this manner, upper and lowerflanges 198, 200 (of second panel 172) may be located within (and sliderelative to) upper and lower flanges 176, 180 (of first panel 170)—i.e.,until fasteners F1 secure the panels 170, 172 relative to one another(e.g., according to a desired depth of component rack 14). Theconfiguration of the first and second panels 170, 172 being slidablerelative to one another allows the end caps 56, 58 to extend andretract, and thereby adjust in depth to accommodate electronics (e.g., asoundbar) and/or displays 14 of varying depths. This is shown FIGS.14-15 and 23-25 , wherein FIGS. 14 and 23-24 show the end caps 56, 58and yokes 44-50 at an expanded position (e.g., a maximum extension) andFIGS. 15 and 25 show the end caps 56, 58 end yokes 44-50 at a collapsedposition (e.g., a minimum extension). In the expanded position, theyokes 44-50 are fixed with the fasteners F1 in the holes H1 positionedwithin slot 156 near the distal end 150 of flanges 132, 134, and the endcaps 56, 58 are fixed with fasteners F1 in holes H1 within slots 178,182 of upper and lower flanges 176, 180 near rear edge 186 of firstpanel 170. In the collapsed position, the yokes 44-50 are displacedinwardly (e.g., along y-axis) and the fasteners F1 are fixed in holes H1of slot 156 near proximal end 148 of flanges, 132, 134, and the end caps56, 58 are displaced inwardly (e.g., along y-axis) are fixed withfasteners F1 in holes H1 within slots 178, 182 of upper and lowerflanges 176, 180 near front edge 184 of first panel 170.

According to an implementation, end caps 56, 58 may be cantilevered fromrear edge 204 of second panel 172 (e.g., coupled only to upper and lowerrails 32, 34) and extending forwardly such that the front edge 184 offirst panel 170 is adjacent front plate 60—e.g., thereby aestheticallyshrouding from view any electronics within component rack 14 as shownin, e.g., FIG. 15 . As shown in FIG. 16 , the end caps 56, 58 mayadditionally be articulated or pivoted about pivot axis P relative toone another to accommodate for larger electronics and/or a front plate60 (see FIG. 15 ) with an increased width w, and thereby provide for anappearance of a straight edge relative to the front plate 60. As shownin the illustrative example, the first panel 170 is pivoted or rotatedrelative to the second panel 172 by an angle, e.g., of about 45 degrees,to provide a straight edge in the second axis (y-axis) and perpendicularto the front plate 60. It will be appreciated that the first panel 170may be pivoted in any number of angular positions about the pivot axisas desired. Accordingly, the end caps 56, 58 are configurable to shroudelectronic devices (e.g., soundbars) of various sizes (e.g., width). Endcaps 56-58 may comprise any suitable material (e.g., including anodizedmetal). FIG. 16 additionally shows the yokes 44-50 at an intermediateposition along the y-axis between the expanded and collapsed position.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 15 , front plate 60 (also referred to as afascia plate) may be detachably couplable to yokes 44-50 and comprise aflat plate 210 comprising a plurality of apertures 212 which permitacoustic transmission and/or air flow within the component rack 14. Inthe illustration, five apertures 212 are shown; however, other suitablequantities may be used instead. The apertures 212 may have any suitableshape (e.g., here, they are rectangular having rounded corners), and theapertures 212 may be any suitable size and may have any suitablearrangement. When component rack 14 is assembled, front plate 60 maydefine width w—and for aesthetic purposes, front plate 60 may extendaxially beyond end caps 56, 58 (e.g., in the x-axis direction).

Over a front surface 214, front plate 60 may comprise a mesh overlay 216(see FIG. 19 ). The overlay 216 may be comprised of any suitableacoustically transparent fabric or perforated material and may shroudelectronics within component rack 14 from view. According to anon-limiting example, a rear surface 220 of front plate 60 may comprisea plurality of pins 222 extending rearwardly (e.g., in the y-axisdirection) and a plurality of magnetic elements 224—wherein pins 222 andmagnetic elements 224 are coupled thereto. When assembled, pins 222 mayalign with holes H4 of yokes 44-50 (see FIG. 12 ), and magnetic elements224 may attract and magnetically couple to plates 130 of yokes 44-50. Inthis manner, front plate 60 easily may be coupled to and decoupled fromthe remainder of the component rack 14—enabling a user easy access tothe electronics within.

Referring to FIGS. 17-20 , the component rack 14 may include a cameramount 228, e.g., for receiving webcams. According to the illustrativeexample, the camera mount 228 includes a base mount 230 and an adapterbracket 232. The base mount 230 may lie on the lower rail 34 with a baseportion 234 and include a flange portion 236 that attaches to the innersupports 40, 42 via a fastener F1 or the like. The base mount 230includes one or more slots 238 (e.g., in base portion 234) that extendin the depth or y-axis direction (e.g., along the second axis) toaccommodate adapter brackets 232 of various sizes and/or at variousdepths. In the illustrated example, a plurality of slots 238 arearranged spaced apart from one another in the x-axis direction (e.g.,along the first axis) to accommodate adapter brackets 232 of variouswidths. The adapter bracket 232 includes a top end 240 that mounts acamera (not shown), and a bottom end 242 with holes H1 that receive afastener F1 for securing to the base portion 234. A window or slot 244may be formed in the front face 214 of the front plate 60, e.g., throughthe mesh overlay 216, to provide unobstructed access to the camera.

An assembly method of component rack 14 is shown in FIG. 26 . Process2600 may begin with step 2610—display mounting bracket 16 may be coupledto display 12 (e.g., via a VESA mounting interface). Step 2610 isoptional or may be modified to account for a wall-mounted component rack14; e.g., as discussed above, component rack 14 alternatively may bemounted to wall W via wall mounting bracket 16′. While this step andother steps below may be performed by a consumer, an embodiment isdescribed wherein a technician is employed in a custom installation.Thus, when step 2610 is completed, end 30 of display mounting bracket 16may dangle slightly below the display 12.

In block 2620, a width (w) of display 12 may be determined. In someinstances, the technician may perform measurements of display 12. Inother examples, a manufacturing server previously may have received anorder which comprises a width (w) measurement.

In step 2630, a height (h) of component rack 14 is determined. A varietyof heights may be available. Based on height, the technician maydetermine supports 36-42, yokes 44-50, end caps 56-58, and/or frontplate 60.

In step 2640, the supports 36-42 and yokes 44-50 may be assembled toupper and lower rails 32, 34; however, yokes 44-50 may not be fullytightened—e.g., so that yokes 44-50 (and consequently front plate 60)are displaceable relative to the z-axis. E.g., supports 36-38 and yokes44-50 may utilize fasteners F1. Supports 40-42 may use fasteners F1, F2(locating fasteners F2 within channels 92, 92′) and retaining thesupports 40-42 therein via fasteners F1. According to at least oneembodiment, the yokes 46, 48 may be aligned (e.g., with respect toy-axis) with supports 40, 42, respectively; however, this is notrequired.

In step 2650, by moving the yokes 44-50 to and/or between the collapsedand extended positions, plates 130 of yokes 44-50 may be positioned sothat display 12 overhangs component rack 14 by a depth (dl) (shown inFIG. 4 ), wherein depth (dl) defines a depth of the front plate 60coupled to yokes 44-50. Once positioned accordingly, fasteners F1 ofyokes 44-50 may be tightened. It should be appreciated that in at leastone embodiment, yokes 44-50 are detachably couplable—e.g., sincefasteners may include the use of machine screws or the like.

In step 2660, end caps 56, 58 may be assembled to upper and lower rails32, 34 overlapping corner supports 36, 38.

Optional step 2670 or optional step 2680 may follow. In step 2670, themounting bracket 16 may be coupled to upper rail 32—e.g., usingfasteners F1, F2, wherein fasteners F2 are located in channel 74. Inthis embodiment, component rack 14 is suspended from display 12.

Alternatively, in step 2680, component rack 14 may be mounted to wall Wusing wall mounting brackets 16′ coupling upper and lower rails 32, 34to wall W.

Following either step 2670 or step 2680, front plate 60 may bedetachably coupled to yokes 44-50, e.g., along the second or y-axis.More particularly, in at least one embodiment, pins 222 are located inholes H4 of yokes 44-50, and magnetic elements 224 are abutted to yokes44-50 via a magnetically coupling. In this manner, front plate 60 may beassembled and disassembled by the user. Thereafter, process 2600 mayend.

Other embodiments of component rack 14 exist. For example, componentrack 14 may be oriented vertically with respect to display 12. Orcomponent rack 14 may form part of another system.

Thus, there has been described a component rack that may be used with adisplay. The component rack is customizable in width w, in depth dand/or in height h. In this manner, the component rack may have anorderly and minimalistic presentation and be aesthetically pleasing.

Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein;however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary; other embodiments may be embodied in various andalternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; somefeatures may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particularcomponents. Therefore, specific structural and functional detailsdisclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as arepresentative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variouslyemploy the present disclosure. Further, terms such as front, rear, left,right, top, bottom, upper, lower, forwardly, rearwardly, etc. areprovided merely for purposes of explanation and to offer clarityregarding one orientation of the disclosed device; other orientationsare possible.

It will be appreciated that the aforementioned apparatus may be modifiedto have some components removed, or may have additional components andsteps added, all of which are deemed to be within the spirit of thepresent disclosure. Accordingly, even though the present disclosure hasbeen described in detail with reference to specific examples, it will beappreciated that the various modifications and changes can be made tothese examples without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure as set forth in the claims. It is anticipated and intendedthat future developments will occur in the technologies discussedherein, and that the disclosed method, device and/or article will beincorporated into such future developments. Thus, the specification andthe drawings are to be regarded as an illustrative thought instead ofmerely restrictive thought.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“upper,” “lower,” “up,” “down,” and the like, relate to theillustrations shown in the figures and are not to be considered aslimiting. Further, all numbers expressing dimensions, ratios and thelike, used in the specification and claims, are to be understood toencompass tolerances and other deviations as represented by the term“about” or “approximately.” Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein are tobe understood to encompass any and all sub-ranges subsumed therein.

All terms used in the claims are intended to be given their broadestreasonable constructions and their ordinary meanings as understood bythose knowledgeable in the technologies described herein unless anexplicit indication to the contrary is made herein. In particular, useof the singular articles such as “a,” “the,” “said,” etc. should be readto recite one or more of the indicated elements unless a claim recitesan explicit limitation to the contrary. Further, the use of “at leastone of” is intended to be inclusive, analogous to the term and/or.Additionally, use of adjectives such as first, second, etc. should beread to be interchangeable unless a claim recites an explicit limitationto the contrary.

While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not intended thatthese embodiments describe all possible forms of the disclosure. Rather,the words used in the specification are words of description rather thanlimitation, and it is understood that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.Additionally, the features of various implementing embodiments may becombined to form further embodiments of the disclosure.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A component rack, comprising: an upper rail; alower rail, the upper rail and the lower rail extending relative to afirst axis; at least one end cap coupled to an end of the upper rail andthe lower rail, wherein the at least one end cap comprises a first panelslidably couplable to a second panel and movable along a second axisbetween a collapsed position and an extended position, the second axisextending transversely to the first axis; and a grille coupled to theupper and lower rails, wherein the grille comprises a mesh fabric with awindow through the mesh fabric.
 22. The component rack of claim 21,further comprising a camera mount disposed between the upper and lowerrails in a region of the window.
 23. The component rack of claim 22,wherein the camera mount includes a base mount and an adapter bracketslidably couplable to the base mount and movable relative to the basemount along the second axis, and wherein the window is disposed in aregion of the adapter bracket to provide unobstructed access to acamera.
 24. The component rack of claim 22, further comprising at leastone inner support extending relative to a third axis and coupled to theupper and lower rails, the third axis extending transversely to thefirst axis and the second axis, wherein the camera mount is secured tothe at least one inner support.
 25. The component rack of claim 24,wherein each of the upper and lower rails comprise an elongated sideextending relative to the third axis that has an elongated channelextending relative to the first axis, wherein the at least one innersupport is coupled to the upper and lower rails via the elongatedchannel.
 26. The component rack of claim 21, further comprising at leastone yoke slidably couplable to the upper and lower rails and movablealong the second axis between a collapsed position and an extendedposition.
 27. The component rack of claim 21, wherein the upper rail hasa wire routing slot extending therethrough.
 28. A component rack,comprising: an upper rail; a lower rail, the upper rail and the lowerrail extending relative to a first axis and spaced apart from oneanother relative to a second axis; at least one inner support extendingrelative to the second axis and coupled to the upper and lower rails; acamera mount disposed between the upper and lower rails and secured tothe at least one inner support; and a grille coupled to the upper andlower rails, wherein the grille comprises a mesh fabric having a windowdisposed in a region of the camera mount.
 29. The component rack ofclaim 28, wherein the grille further comprises a front plate and themesh fabric is disposed over a front surface of the front plate.
 30. Thecomponent rack of claim 28, further comprising at least one end capcoupled to an end of the upper rail and the lower rail.
 31. Thecomponent rack of claim 28, wherein at least one of the upper rail andthe lower rail comprises an elongated side extending relative to thesecond axis and has an elongated channel extending relative to the firstaxis, and wherein the at least one inner support is coupled to theelongated channel of the at least one of the upper rail and the lowerrail.
 32. The component rack of claim 28, the camera mount includes abase mount and an adapter bracket slidably couplable to the base mountand movable relative to the base mount along the second axis, andwherein the window is disposed in a region of the adapter bracket toprovide unobstructed access to a camera.
 33. A method for assembling acomponent rack, comprising: providing an upper rail and a lower rail,the upper rail and the lower rail extending relative to a first axis;slidably coupling at least one yoke to the upper and lower rails, andmoving the at least one yoke along a second axis between an extendedposition and a collapsed position such that a yoke plate extendingrelative to a third axis is arranged at a predetermined depth relativeto a front face of a display, the second axis extending transversely tothe first axis, and the third axis extending transversely to the firstaxis and the second axis; detachably coupling a front plate to the yokeplate positioned at the predetermined depth such that a front face ofthe front plate is in planar alignment with the front face of thedisplay.
 34. The method of claim 33, further comprising securing atleast one flange of the at least one yoke to at least one of the upperrail and the lower rail at the predetermined depth, the at least oneflange extending transversely from the yoke plate along the second axis.35. The method of claim 33, further comprising coupling at least one endcap to an end of the upper rail and the lower rail, the at least one endcap including a first panel slidable coupled to a second panel andmovable along the second axis between a collapsed position and anextended position.
 36. The method of claim 35, wherein the first panelis moved relative to the second panel such that a front edge of thefirst panel is adjacent to the front plate.
 37. The method of claim 33,further comprising securing at least one inner support to a rear side ofthe upper and lower rails, the at least one inner support extendingrelative to a third axis.
 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the atleast one inner support is secured to the upper and lower rails via afastener that engages into an elongated channel extending relative tothe first axis that is provided on an elongated side of the upper andlower rails extending relative to the third axis.
 39. The method ofclaim 37, further comprising arranging a camera mount between the upperand lower rails, and securing the camera mount to the at least one innersupport.
 40. The method of claim 33, further comprising coupling adisplay mounting bracket to the upper rail.